Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 April 2026

Showing 1,301-1,350 of 1,736 articles

Sangkuriang Train Ticket Discounts, New Bandung-Ketapang Route Starting 1 May

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has launched a new return train route named KA Sangkuriang from Bandung to Ketapang in Banyuwangi, operating from 1 May 2026, with the outbound trip on 1 May and the return on 2 May. To mark the inaugural journey, KAI is offering a 50% discount on tickets for the Bandung-Ketapang leg. The route connects major cities across Java, providing economy, executive, and suite compartment classes, enhancing connectivity and travel options in Indonesia's rail network.

BNPB distributes Rp31.2 billion in stimulus funds for residents of Central Tapanuli

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has disbursed the first phase of stimulus funds amounting to Rp31.2 billion to repair homes damaged by disasters in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. Of this, Rp16.7 billion supports 1,098 households with minor damage, while Rp14.7 billion aids 493 households with moderate damage, with further phases planned for additional affected residents. BNPB is urging local governments to expedite data submission and will provide ongoing administrative support to ensure swift delivery of aid.

National Police Criminal Investigation Agency Hunts Frendry Dona, Mastermind of Etomidate Vape Lab in East Jakarta Apartment

Indonesian National Police's Narcotics Crime Directorate is pursuing Frendry Dona, alias Fhoku, who is identified as the controller of a clandestine vape laboratory containing the substance etomidate in an East Jakarta apartment, with him now listed as a wanted person. The manhunt follows a raid that uncovered significant quantities of suspected narcotics, including etomidate cartridges and methamphetamine, after an online motorcycle taxi driver reported a suspicious package. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal drug production networks in urban areas, potentially involving broader criminal syndicates.

Finance Minister Affirms Electric Vehicle Tax Unchanged, Only Scheme Adjusted

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that new regulations on electric vehicle taxes do not increase the overall tax burden but merely adjust the collection scheme, as outlined in the Minister of Home Affairs Regulation No. 11 of 2026. Electric vehicles are now classified as taxable motor vehicles, with tax rates potentially as low as zero rupiah depending on regional policies, while central government incentives remain available under Article 19. This shift allows local governments greater flexibility in determining incentives, moving away from uniform taxation across regions to potentially boost electric vehicle adoption.

State Guarantees Rights and Future of Families of Fallen TNI Soldiers in Lebanon

The Indonesian government, through PT Asabri, has ensured that the families of three TNI soldiers who died during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon receive comprehensive benefits totalling Rp1.41 billion, including death risk compensations, insurance savings, and scholarships for their children. President Prabowo Subianto led the reception of the remains, highlighting national honours, while Asabri commits to ongoing support to secure the families' future under work accident insurance and old-age savings programmes. This initiative underscores the state's dedication to protecting the welfare of military families who sacrifice for global peace efforts.

KAI Reactivates Plabuan and Comal Stations, Easing Access in North Coast Route

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is reactivating passenger boarding and alighting services at Plabuan Station in Batang Regency and Comal Station in Pemalang Regency starting 27 April 2026, aiming to expand rail transport reach along Java's north coast and improve community mobility. Initially, these stations will be served by the Kaligung, Kamandaka, and Joglosemarkerto trains, with nearby stations like Batang showing a 46.27% increase in boarding passengers and Pemalang a 23.59% rise in alighting passengers in early 2026. This move reflects growing public demand for efficient transport, supporting daily activities, work, education, and economic pursuits while distributing passenger loads more evenly.

Purbaya Opens Possibility to Boost Marketplace Tax by End of Q2 2026, See the Considerations

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated that the government is considering raising taxes on online marketplaces by the end of the second quarter of 2026, but only after carefully assessing the impact on consumer purchasing power. The primary aim is to foster fair competition for traditional market traders who have been complaining about losing out to online sellers, without stifling the rapidly growing digital trade sector. This balanced approach underscores the government's intent to support both traditional and modern economies amid ongoing economic recovery.

Rieke Urges Universities to Boldly Dismiss and Prosecute Sexual Violence Perpetrators

Indonesian House of Representatives member Rieke Diah Pitaloka has called on universities to take firm action against sexual violence perpetrators, including immediate dismissal and legal prosecution, rather than relying solely on administrative sanctions. She emphasises that such decisive measures demonstrate genuine support for victims and reflect the institution's commitment, warning that lenient responses undermine the seriousness of the crime and the victims' suffering. Additionally, Rieke advocates for comprehensive support for victims, including legal assistance from university resources like law faculties.

Domestic Workers Protection Act: A Gift to the Nation on Kartini Day

On Kartini Day, 21 April 2026, Indonesia's House of Representatives finally passed the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) after over two decades of delays, marking a significant step towards recognising the rights of millions of mostly female domestic workers who have long laboured without legal safeguards. The legislation introduces comprehensive protections including written contracts, social security, fair wages, and safeguards against violence, aligning with international standards like ILO Convention 189, though gaps in enforcement and minimum wage specifics remain concerns. This swift approval after years of legislative hurdles underscores the influence of societal pressures and symbolic timing, potentially transforming the informal care economy while highlighting persistent power imbalances in labour relations.

Beware of Extreme Weather and Tidal Flooding, 32 Areas in Central Java at Risk

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has warned of potential extreme weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, affecting 32 districts in Central Java from afternoon to evening. Additionally, tidal flooding (rob) continues to impact northern coastal areas, potentially disrupting transportation, port activities, fishing, and salt production with water levels up to one metre. Residents are urged to remain vigilant amid the transitional weather season to mitigate risks from hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides.

Tug-of-War in US-Iran Peace Talks, Escalation Threats at the End of Ceasefire

As the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran nears its end, Tehran has threatened escalation and rejected negotiations under the shadow of threats, while the US maintains a naval blockade until a deal is signed. Diplomatic efforts continue with a US delegation heading to Pakistan for mediated talks and EU foreign ministers discussing de-escalation measures in Luxembourg. The core dispute revolves around Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, with conflicting statements on its potential transfer, amid accusations of nuclear weapon ambitions that Iran denies.

Hoax! Video of demonstration heading to DPR to disband MBG

A TikTok post falsely claims that a video shows a mass demonstration heading to Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) to disband the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, accompanied by misleading narration calling for its dissolution and the arrest of "Dadang botak." Fact-checking reveals the footage is actually from a May 2025 protest by online motorcycle taxi drivers in Jember demanding fair tariffs and protection, unrelated to MBG or Jakarta. This hoax underscores the risks of misinformation surrounding government social initiatives, potentially undermining public trust in policies like MBG aimed at improving nutrition.

Avoid Debt, KDM Urges Community to Marry Simply

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) attended a mass simple wedding ceremony in Depok, witnessing five couples tie the knot and emphasising the importance of avoiding debt for such events, especially given the high rate of online loan entrapment in the province. The initiative provided practical support including household appliances, hotel stays, and savings for home down payments or renovations, with additional aid from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing for substandard homes. Alongside the event, KDM inaugurated an eco-friendly KUA office designed to encourage simple weddings by offering attractive, sustainable venues for ceremonies and receptions.

Hoax! Purbaya states Indonesia is at risk of a monetary crisis

A viral social media post falsely claims that Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa warned of an impending monetary crisis in Indonesia, alleging that state budget revenues have vanished and all funding relies on debt. Fact-checking reveals no such official statement exists, with the post misusing photos from unrelated government events; in reality, tax revenues rose 20.7% to Rp398.4 trillion in Q1 2026, and the minister has reaffirmed commitment to controlling the budget deficit amid concerns from rating agencies like S&P. This hoax underscores the need for vigilance against misinformation that could undermine public confidence in Indonesia's fiscal health.

139 Candidates for Supreme Court Judges Pass KY's 2026 Administrative Selection

The Judicial Commission (KY) has announced that 139 candidates for Supreme Court judges have successfully passed the administrative selection stage for the 2026 recruitment process, following a rigorous verification of documents from an initial pool of 175 applicants. The candidates, distributed across specialised chambers including criminal (65), civil (28), religious (35), and administrative (11), will proceed to a quality assessment on 5-6 May 2026 in Jakarta, where technical competencies and integrity will be evaluated. Public participation is encouraged through submissions on candidates' backgrounds by 5 June 2026 to ensure the selection of high-quality and untainted judges.

Setiawan Budi Cahyono to be Inaugurated as Bali's Chief High Prosecutor on 29 April

Setiawan Budi Cahyono is scheduled for inauguration as the new Head of the High Prosecutor's Office in Bali on 29 April 2026 in Jakarta, as part of a simultaneous appointment of 14 such officials across Indonesia, following a decision by the Attorney General. This rotation, aimed at organisational refreshment and improved performance, replaces Chatarina Muliana and has drawn attention due to the recent leadership changes in Bali's prosecutorial ranks. Legal expert Gde Made Swardhana from Udayana University highlights the dual aspects of such swift rotations, noting potential disruptions to case continuity in Bali's complex legal landscape involving narcotics, general crimes, and cases with foreign nationals, while emphasising the need for smooth transitions to maintain consistent law enforcement.

Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Short-Haul Flights Due to Surge in Fuel Prices

Lufthansa Group has announced the reduction of approximately 20,000 short-haul flights from its summer schedule through to October 2026, in response to soaring jet fuel costs triggered by the conflict in Iran. This efficiency measure aims to curb operational expenses amid geopolitical uncertainties, saving over 40,000 metric tons of fuel while impacting overall capacity by less than one percent. The airline is consolidating routes across its European hubs and prioritising long-haul connections, with initial adjustments already in effect and more comprehensive plans expected soon.

DPR's Commission X Concerned Over Undip UTBK Cheating Incident: More Than Just Grades at Stake

The Deputy Chair of DPR's Commission X, Lalu Hadrian, has expressed deep concern over a cheating case at the 2026 UTBK-SNBT exam at Diponegoro University, where a participant was caught using a hidden ear device. He emphasised that such misconduct undermines the integrity essential for academic and professional success, urging participants to prioritise honesty over fraudulent gains. Lalu called for stricter supervision and evaluation of the exam process to prevent future incidents and safeguard character development.

Iran War Disrupts Supply, Condom Prices Threatened with 30% Increase

The ongoing Iran war is disrupting global supply chains, potentially forcing the world's largest condom manufacturer, Malaysia-based Karex, to raise prices by 20-30% due to shortages in essential petrochemical feedstocks like naphtha, silicone oil, and ammonia. CEO Goh Miah Kiat highlighted delays in shipments and increased production costs, exacerbating the broader economic pressures from energy price surges that could slow consumer spending and industrial output in Asia. This ripple effect underscores how geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East are impacting even niche manufacturing sectors reliant on oil derivatives.

Arab foreign ministers urge Iran to pay compensation for Hormuz closure

Arab foreign ministers, in an emergency League of Arab meeting, passed a resolution demanding that Iran take full international responsibility for attacks on several Arab states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, requiring compensation for all resulting damages. The resolution condemns Iran's actions as violations of international law, threatening global trade, energy security, and supplies of food and medicine. This comes amid escalating regional tensions following US-Israel strikes on Iran and a fragile two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, with efforts ongoing for further peace talks.

Puan: Parliament to Monitor Hajj 2026 Issues to Sexual Violence

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has affirmed the DPR's commitment to overseeing key national issues, ranging from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to addressing sexual violence on university campuses. In her closing speech for the parliamentary session on 21 April 2026, she highlighted the departure of over 204,000 pilgrims the following day and outlined 11 priority areas for scrutiny, including child protection in digital spaces, fiscal impacts of regional finance laws, and tax system evaluations. This oversight underscores the DPR's role in ensuring government accountability on social, economic, and infrastructural matters critical to public welfare.

Hoax! Purbaya Offers Business Capital Assistance of Rp85 Million

A viral social media post falsely claims that Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is offering Rp85 million in business capital assistance to the public via Messenger messages. Fact-checking reveals no official statements or credible reports support this, with AI detection confirming the video's audio is 99.3% artificially generated, and no similar posts appear on official accounts. This hoax underscores the growing threat of AI-manipulated misinformation targeting government officials and public aid programmes.

NTT Provincial Government Syncs Policies with Ministry of Home Affairs to Strengthen Regional Services

The NTT Provincial Government has coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to align strategic policies aimed at accelerating regional revenue growth, enhancing health services, and improving public access. Key discussions included transforming the NTT Regional Development Bank into a Perseroda to broaden financing for SMEs and farmers, strengthening local tax regulations to boost PAD for essential services, and optimising Samsat services for fiscal fairness. These initiatives target efficient bureaucracy, better hospital management, and tangible improvements in public welfare across the province.

5 Countries with the Cheapest and Most Expensive LPG Prices in the World

Global LPG prices vary significantly across countries due to domestic policies on taxes and subsidies, despite being based on international natural gas prices. As of 13 April 2026, the world average stands at US$0.91 per litre, with Algeria offering the lowest at US$0.091 per litre among major producers and exporters like Angola, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, while Greece faces the highest at US$1.611 per litre, followed by Israel, Germany, Switzerland, and Croatia. This disparity highlights how energy production, import dependency, and fiscal measures influence retail prices for consumers worldwide.

JCI Today Hinges on Bank Indonesia's Interest Rate Decision

The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange opened lower on Wednesday, declining 0.41% to 7,528.34, as investors adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of Bank Indonesia's interest rate policy announcement, expected to maintain the BI-Rate at 4.75%. Market participants are also monitoring slowing credit growth projections for March 2026 and MSCI's ongoing evaluation of Indonesian market reforms, which has frozen index rebalancing until June 2026, potentially signaling positive long-term developments if transparency improves. External factors, including US-Iran ceasefire extensions and geopolitical tensions, add to short-term market uncertainty.

Hoax! Indonesia Sends Warships and Fighter Jets to Aid Iran

A viral Facebook post falsely claims that Indonesia is sending warships and fighter jets to support Iran in an international conflict, featuring an AI-generated video with 97.2% similarity to real footage. Fact-checkers have confirmed no official statements or credible reports support this claim, debunking it as a hoax. This misinformation highlights ongoing efforts to combat false narratives involving Indonesia's foreign policy amid global tensions.

Rosan Reports Massive Investment Commitments to Prabowo, Reaching Rp 570 Trillion

President Prabowo Subianto received a report from Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani on investment commitments from Japan and South Korea totalling approximately Rp 570 trillion. In the first quarter of 2026, investment realisation reached Rp 498.79 trillion, exceeding the target and creating over 706,000 jobs, with significant contributions from both domestic and foreign sources. This progress underscores the government's efforts to accelerate economic growth through hilirisasi and balanced regional development, with top investors including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, the US, and Japan.

Kartini Spirit Grows from Women on the Rembang Coast Through Sea Rengginang

On the occasion of Kartini Day, women in the coastal areas of Rembang, Central Java, exemplify modern emancipation by producing innovative "rengginang laut," a seafood-infused rice cracker that boosts family incomes and community welfare. Led by entrepreneur Eko Purwanti, a client of Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), these women engage in collective production, nutritional aid programmes, and empowerment initiatives supported by PNM's training and financing. This initiative highlights the enduring Kartini spirit of resilience and mutual support, transforming limited resources into sustainable economic and social progress in coastal communities.

Aceh Hajj Pilgrims 2026: Oldest at 101 Years, Youngest at 15 Years

The oldest prospective Hajj pilgrim from Aceh for 2026 is 101-year-old Ramlah from Langsa, while the youngest is 15-year-old Muhammad Alfaruq Addawami from Bener Meriah, highlighting the diverse age range among the 5,426 pilgrims. Officials have prepared around 1,500 reserves to fill any vacancies due to health issues, deaths, or deferrals caused by natural disasters or economic reasons. The first group departs on 6 May 2026, underscoring the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs' efforts to manage Hajj logistics amid regional challenges.

John Ternus as New Apple CEO: AI Challenges and Tim Cook's Legacy

Apple is set to enter a new era of leadership with the appointment of John Ternus as CEO, succeeding Tim Cook after 25 years with the company. Ternus, who began his career at Apple with initial doubts, has risen through the ranks to lead hardware engineering for key products like the Mac and iPad. His tenure will face significant challenges in AI development while building on Cook's legacy of innovation and growth.

On Kartini Day, MenPPPA affirms commitment to Asta Cita for empowering women

On Kartini Day, Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering women as outlined in the fourth pillar of President and Vice President's Asta Cita vision. She highlighted the ongoing relevance of Raden Ajeng Kartini's struggle, noting advancements in women's public roles through affirmative policies and anti-discrimination efforts, while urging all stakeholders to ensure equal access, participation, control, and benefits for women in national development. Fauzi called for collaborative actions to provide quality gender-responsive health services, uninterrupted education for girls, and broader opportunities for women's involvement across sectors.

TelkomGroup Secures Three Digital Connectivity Awards for 2026, Proof of Delivering Equitable Access

PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and its subsidiaries, Telkomsel and Telkomsat, have received three prestigious awards at the 2026 Digital Connectivity Appreciation event for their efforts in maintaining network resilience, expanding digital access, and promoting equitable connectivity in Indonesia's remote, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions. Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure nationwide connectivity, highlighting the government's reliance on partnerships with industry players like TelkomGroup. This recognition underscores TelkomGroup's strategic role in building Indonesia's digital ecosystem, supporting economic growth through enhanced infrastructure including fibre optics and satellite services.

The Story of PNM Empowering Underprivileged Mothers to National Champions Through Mekaarpreneur

Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) has empowered underprivileged women entrepreneurs through its three-month Mekaarpreneur incubation programme, culminating in a Demo Day event where participants from Jabodetabek and surrounding areas showcased their businesses. Amaliyah Sholihah, a waste-processing entrepreneur from Serang, won first place, highlighting how the initiative boosts financial literacy, managerial skills, and digital adaptation for ultra-micro enterprises. The programme underscores PNM's commitment to sustainable business growth, providing not just funding but also training to enhance competitiveness and market access for these women-led ventures.

Indonesia logs US$32 billion Japan, South Korea investment pledges

President Prabowo Subianto has secured investment commitments worth approximately US$32.3 billion from Japan and South Korea, highlighting robust foreign interest in Indonesia's economy. In the first quarter of 2026, realised investments reached Rp498.79 trillion, surpassing targets and creating over 706,000 jobs, with significant contributions from both domestic and foreign sources. The government is focusing on accelerating investment realisation in key sectors like metals, mining, and infrastructure to drive economic growth and employment.

UK and France to Lead Multinational Military Conference for Hormuz

The United Kingdom and France are hosting a two-day conference in Northwood, London, starting on 22 April, involving military planners from over 20 countries to develop coordinated strategies for reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz for shipping. This follows Iran's navigation restrictions imposed after a US-Israel joint attack on 28 February, a 14-day ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on 8 April, and a recent extension announced by US President Donald Trump to allow Tehran time to prepare a unified proposal. The talks aim to translate diplomatic agreements into actionable military plans, focusing on capabilities, command, and deployment, amid ongoing uncertainties in negotiations.

US-Iran Peace Deal in Limbo, Oil Prices Still Near US$100

Global oil prices edged lower slightly on Wednesday morning amid uncertainty over the US-Iran ceasefire extension, with Brent crude at US$98.20 per barrel and WTI at US$89.30 per barrel, despite recent sharp gains driven by geopolitical risks. The fragile truce, combined with ongoing blockades in key Iranian ports and minimal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, continues to sustain a high risk premium in the energy market, while falling US oil inventories provide additional support. Traders await official EIA data, which could either bolster prices further or prompt profit-taking after the recent surge.

Earth Day 2026: Civil Society Urges Halt to Militarism and Deforestation

On Earth Day 2026, civil society organisations have warned of the severe threats posed by the growing militarisation of natural resource management and extractive development models in Indonesia. Activists highlight how the formation of task forces securitises resource sectors, sidelining dialogue, indigenous communities, and local populations, potentially leading to violent suppression of dissent. This combination has driven a drastic 66% surge in deforestation in 2025, resulting in the loss of over 433,000 hectares of forest, underscoring the urgent need for transparent and inclusive policy-making to protect the environment and human rights.

Administrative Court Rejects Lawsuit Against Culture Minister Fadli Zon Over 1998 Rape Case Denial

The State Administrative Court (PTUN) in Jakarta has ruled that it cannot accept a lawsuit filed by civil society groups against Culture Minister Fadli Zon for allegedly denying the mass rapes during the May 1998 riots and undermining the work of the Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF). The court upheld the defendant's exception regarding its jurisdiction, deeming the case inadmissible and ordering the plaintiffs to pay court costs of Rp 233,000. This decision highlights ongoing tensions in addressing historical human rights violations in Indonesia, as the coalition argues Zon's statements violate laws on government administration, human rights, and human rights courts, despite the Ministry of Culture's lack of direct involvement in such matters.

Indonesia logs US$32 billion in investment pledges from Japan and South Korea

Indonesia has secured approximately US$32 billion (Rp570 trillion) in investment pledges from Japan and South Korea, as reported by Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. In the first quarter of 2026, investment realisation reached Rp498.79 trillion, surpassing targets and creating over 706,000 jobs, with balanced contributions from domestic and foreign sources, particularly from Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. These developments underscore the government's efforts to accelerate investment in strategic sectors like mining, metals, and infrastructure to drive economic growth and regional development beyond Java.

Challenges of the Domestic Workers Protection Law Seen in Implementation and Family Culture

The Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), long awaited for 22 years, has been enacted in Indonesia, marking a significant step towards humanising protections for household workers by ensuring basic welfare and preventing exploitation. However, legal expert Andina Elok Puri Maharani emphasises that its true challenges lie in practical implementation, particularly due to the personal and private nature of employer-employee relationships and entrenched family-like cultural norms that may render oversight superficial. She calls for strengthened sanctions, multi-level government collaboration from central to village levels, and the development of supporting regulations and databases to make the law effective.

Enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law on Kartini Day 2026: This Marks the Beginning of a Major Responsibility

The enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT) on 21 April 2026, coinciding with Kartini Day, represents a historic milestone after over two decades of advocacy by women's organisations and civil society groups in Indonesia. Leaders from Gerakan Wanita Sejahtera and Komnas Perempuan expressed profound gratitude and emphasised that while the law symbolises equality and dignity for domestic workers, its true impact depends on effective implementation, including the prompt issuance of technical regulations and socialisation efforts. This development underscores the enduring spirit of women's rights struggles, opening doors to broader justice but requiring collective responsibility to ensure protections are realised in practice.

Roadshow held in Jakarta to promote the 4th CISCE event

A roadshow for the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was held in Jakarta to encourage Indonesian participation in the world's first national-level supply chain exhibition. Representatives from China's Council for the Promotion of International Trade highlighted past successes and preparations for the upcoming event in Beijing from 22 to 26 June, inviting Indonesian officials and business leaders. KADIN Indonesia's chairman emphasised the need for resilient global supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism, underscoring the growing importance of economic integration between Indonesia and China, with plans to form a strong delegation for substantive exchanges and collaborations.

Transjakarta Plans to Revitalise Articulated Buses Using Electric Buses

Transjakarta is conducting trials of electric articulated buses on the B41 route from Vida Bekasi to Cawang, following initial tests on route 7C, as part of a broader fleet revitalisation effort. The company aims to replace 108 out of its current 174 articulated buses with electric models this year, prioritising routes with frequent stops to evaluate battery and motor performance. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable public transportation in Jakarta, enhancing the iconic service with eco-friendly technology.

South Sulawesi Provincial Government and China Strengthen Cooperation to Expand Export Access

The South Sulawesi Provincial Government is bolstering ties with China to drive regional economic growth and broaden global export markets, leveraging longstanding emotional connections between the two sides. Chinese investment in the province reached Rp748 billion in 2025, with China as the second-largest export destination contributing 33.69% of total exports, valued at $693.88 million in 2024. During a visit led by Chinese Counsellor Zhen Wangda, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, mining, and food industries to foster mutual understanding and industrial integration.

Approved by Puan in Parliament, These Are the New Requirements for Domestic Workers

Indonesia's House of Representatives has finally passed the Domestic Workers Protection Bill into law, marking a historic step in recognising the rights of millions of domestic workers previously in a legal grey area. The legislation defines domestic workers as paid employees entitled to fair wages, reasonable working hours, rest periods, social security, and safe conditions, while imposing clear obligations on employers and placement agencies. This reform aims to prevent exploitation through minimum age requirements, health certifications, and dispute resolution mechanisms, with implementing regulations to follow within a year.

Domestic Workers Now Regulated by Law: Employers, Read This

Indonesia has officially enacted the Domestic Workers Protection Law after years of legislative delays, formally recognising domestic workers (PRT) as legitimate employees entitled to rights such as fair wages, reasonable working hours, rest periods, and social security. The law outlines requirements for recruitment, including a minimum age of 18, official identification, and health certificates, while defining clear obligations for employers to provide safe conditions and timely payments, and prohibiting placement agencies from deducting wages or withholding documents. This milestone legislation addresses long-standing exploitation in the sector by mandating written contracts and dispute resolution through consensus and mediation, with implementing regulations to follow within a year.

Punishment for Israeli Soldiers Who Damaged Jesus Statue: Detained for 30 Days

The Israeli military has punished two soldiers by detaining them for 30 days and removing them from combat duties after they damaged a statue of the crucified Jesus in southern Lebanon, an incident captured in a photo that sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli politicians, US officials, and church leaders. The military's investigation revealed one soldier destroyed the religious symbol while another photographed the act, with six others present but failing to intervene; Israel has pledged to replace the statue in cooperation with locals. This rare disciplinary action contrasts with the military's track record of leaving 88% of alleged violations in Gaza and the West Bank unresolved in 2025, highlighting potential accountability issues in ongoing conflicts.

Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Sends Off the First Hajj Flight Group for 2026

Central Java's Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen saw off the first group of 358 prospective Hajj pilgrims from Tegal Regency, departing from Solo Embarkation to Saudi Arabia on 22 April 2026. He highlighted the pilgrims' good health and happiness after years of waiting, crediting increased quotas from the Saudi government, and urged Hajj officials to provide optimal care, especially for the elderly, with robust health support. This departure is part of a larger effort to send 28,772 pilgrims from Solo in 81 groups, underscoring Indonesia's organised management of its annual religious pilgrimage amid logistical challenges.

Manggarai South Jakarta Bike Lane Becomes Rubbish Dump, Evidence of Failed Urban Planning

The bike lane on Jalan Dr. Saharjo in Manggarai, South Jakarta, has deteriorated into a rubbish collection point due to narrow access roads and limited space, rendering it unusable for cyclists. Local authorities cite logistical challenges in waste collection as the reason, with rubbish temporarily dumped there before being picked up by DLH trucks. Urban planning expert M Azis Muslim criticises this as a violation of public space rights, highlighting the failure to maintain the lane as a safe transport corridor despite prior investments.

Agriculture Minister Amran Assures Indonesia's Rice Stock Nearly 5 Million Tonnes, El Niño Threat Poses No Issue

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has affirmed that Indonesia's rice reserves, managed by Perum Bulog, are projected to reach 5 million tonnes soon, ensuring food security amid the looming Godzilla El Niño phenomenon. Current stocks stand at a historic high of 4.9 million tonnes, nearly double previous peaks, supplemented by 11 million tonnes of standing crops and 12.5 million tonnes in the Horeca sector, sufficient for 11 months. This robust buffer, exceeding the estimated six-month impact of El Niño, underscores the government's confidence in maintaining price stability and supply without a food crisis.